The role of helium gas in medicine

Abstract

The noble gas helium has many applications owing to its distinct physical and chemical characteristics, namely: its low density, low solubility, and high thermal conductivity. Chiefly, the abundance of studies in medicine relating to helium are concentrated in its possibility of being used as an adjunct therapy in a number of respiratory ailments such as asthma exacerbation, COPD, ARDS, croup, and bronchiolitis. Helium gas, once believed to be biologically inert, has been recently shown to be beneficial in protecting the myocardium from ischemia by various mechanisms. Though neuroprotection of brain tissue has been documented, the mechanism by which it does so has yet to be made clear. Surgeons are exploring using helium instead of carbon dioxide to insufflate the abdomen of patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal procedures due to its superiority in preventing respiratory acidosis in patients with comorbid conditions that cause carbon dioxide retention. Newly discovered applications in Pulmonary MRI radiology and imaging of organs in very fine detail using Helium Ion Microscopy has opened exciting new possibilities for the use of helium gas in technologically advanced fields of medicine.

Pharmacological hypothermia: a potential for future stroke therapy?

“…8 A cheaper alternative to xenon is helium, an inert gas that also possesses neuroprotective properties against acute ischemic stroke with a good safety profile. 117,118 As demonstrated by David et al the administration of helium (75%) in rats subjected to MCAO did contribute to a protective outcome on the cortical (but not subcortical) level; however, the hypothermic effect may have been merely an artifact of the use of helium at lower temperature. 114 The high heat capacity of helium over normal air may also contribute to the observed 'hypothermic' effect of helium, thereby casting doubt upon the proposition that prolonged induction of hypothermia from 37 to 31 °C for 6-10 h, impressively without piloerection, shivering, or any other side effects.…”

Suicidal deaths due to helium inhalation

“…Helium is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas commonly used for filling balloons [38]. It is also used in industry and medicine, among others to treat decompression sickness [28,39,40]. Unlike xenon, it shows no anesthetic properties [39].…”

“…It is also used in industry and medicine, among others to treat decompression sickness [28,39,40]. Unlike xenon, it shows no anesthetic properties [39]. However, there has been promising research showing cardio and neuroprotective effects of helium at the cellular level.…”

Simplified Analysis of Toxic Gaseous Substance in Forensic Practice: Experiences from Japan

“…It is used as a career gas for party balloons or cryogenic liquids. Medically, mixture gas of He and oxygen improve the oxygen flow in patient with upper airway obstruction [78].…”